The House budget would give riders a break, earmark money for the island.

Bainbridge parks, ferry riders and an island environmental learning center could benefit from proposed state budgets taking shape as the 2007 legislative session nears its final stretch.

“We worked hard to not only secure new projects but to keep all of the funding commitments from previous budgets,” said Rep. Christine Rolfes, a Bainbridge Democrat, in a statement. “Most importantly we were able to freeze ferry fare increases in the transportation budget at current rates instead of the 4 percent recommended by the Transportation Commission.

“Riders shouldn’t have to pay for the system’s mistakes.”

Rolfes led efforts to freeze ferry fares in the proposed $7.4 billion transportation budget.

“This is great news,” said Bainbridge Island Ferry Advisory Board member David Groves. “If it’s approved, (there will be) no 4 percent hike or 2.5 percent hike. This could signal recognition that the public pushback on fares is finally (having) an impact in Olympia, and that we have two pretty effective advocates on the House Transportation Committee in Reps. Rolfes and Appleton.”

Other elements of draft budgets presented this week in the House of Representatives would funnel $1 million to the IslandWood learning center on the island’s south end.

“Programs such as IslandWood…will help educate our children on the importance of the Puget Sound,” Rolfes said. “This budget is a reflection of Kitsap’s priorities. It’s a budget that looks toward the future.”

Other proposed line items benefiting Bainbridge include $300,000 to fund improvements at Battle Point Park and almost $70,000 to assist the island park district for unspecified projects.

The planned spending unveiled this week are part of proposed capital and transportation budgets for the the next two years.

The proposals, which serve as the state’s chief construction funds, focus on road construction, ferries and local community projects across the state.

“I am very pleased with the results of both of these budgets,” said Rep. Sherry Appleton, a Poulsbo Democrat. “Ferry riders should be happy with this budget. We fought hard to put fare increases on hold until the ferry system straightens itself out. I think this was a big win for Kitsap.”

Budget proposals will likely go before the full House this week and then move on to the Senate.